In a groundbreaking moment for Sri Lankan cricket, young fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has etched his name in the annals of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) history books. The 21-year-old sensation has become the most expensive player ever in the league’s auction, fetching a staggering $120,000 as he was snatched up by the Colombo Strikers.
Pathirana’s meteoric rise to prominence has been fueled by his unorthodox slinging delivery style, a characteristic that has set him apart on the cricketing stage. This exceptional talent shattered the previous record of $92,000 held by Dilshan Madushanka, showcasing the burgeoning value placed on emerging cricketing talent in Sri Lanka.
The bidding war for Pathirana’s services unfolded in dramatic fashion during the auction. With the Dambulla franchise initiating proceedings at $70,000, the stakes quickly escalated as Galle Marvels countered with a bold move, soaring the bid to an impressive $100,000 in one swift motion. Undeterred, Galle Marvels persisted, pushing their bid to $120,000 in a bid to outmaneuver any competition, only to be thwarted by Colombo Strikers exercising their Right To Match option.
Pathirana’s remarkable valuation in the LPL auction stands in stark contrast to his Indian Premier League (IPL) price, underscoring the significance of his achievement. Despite his stellar performances in the IPL, where he represented the Super Kings and earned acclaim during his three-year tenure, Pathirana’s IPL price of INR 20 lakh pales in comparison to his LPL windfall.
The significance of Pathirana’s record-breaking deal is further highlighted by the subsequent transactions in the LPL auction. All-rounder Isuru Udana commanded a formidable $100,000 price tag, securing his place as the second most expensive player of the day, while Dasun Shanaka, another versatile all-rounder, followed closely behind at $85,000.
Among the foreign recruits, Afghanistan’s Karim Janat emerged as a sought-after asset, with the Dambulla Thunders securing his services for a substantial $80,000. Additionally, his compatriot Hazratullah Zazai, known for his explosive left-hand batting, commanded an impressive $50,000 price tag. South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw rounded off the foreign acquisitions, joining the Jaffna Kings for a respectable sum of $60,000.
As the dust settles on the LPL auction, anticipation mounts for the upcoming tournament, slated to commence on July 1st, with the final showdown scheduled for July 21st. With the stage set for a display of cricketing prowess, all eyes will be on Matheesha Pathirana as he embarks on his journey to justify his record-breaking price tag and cement his status as a cricketing sensation on the LPL stage.
